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ADHD Stimulant Medication Stimulants are drugs that help people suffering from ADHD focus and control their impulsive behaviour. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and are prescribed by neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists (and in some cases GPs). Stimulants influence dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are tightly regulated and are only prescribed by a doctor. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is part of the stimulant family and increases brain activity. It increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is also prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Methylphenidate is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream rapidly and works within hours. It can be taken in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release chewable tablet or capsule. The doctor will prescribe a formula that is suitable for the patient's symptoms and side effects. Side effects of methylphenidate tend to be mild and go away over time as the body gets used to the medication. Talk to your doctor if they persist. You can reduce the dosage or suggest a different medication. It is essential to take the medication according to the prescription. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This can reduce the chance for abuse or addiction. Methylphenidate is categorized as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it has a significant risk of abuse. These stimulants could create dependence and withdrawal if not taken in the prescribed manner. Inform your doctor if your child has heart issues. This could include an irregular heartbeat, or a history of heart attack. Methylphenidate increases heart rate. The doctor will therefore check their blood pressure before starting treatment. Discuss with the doctor any other medications your child takes for health reasons, such as herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements. The doctor will advise you how much medicine to take and how often, as well any other precautions. Methylphenidate is usually taken twice in the day, along with a meal. Certain brands of methylphenidate with long-acting tablets (Quillichew ER; Cotempla XR -ODT and Adhansia XR), contain aspartame. linked website is a major source of Phenylalanine and should not be consumed by people suffering from phenylketonuria. Avoid drinking alcohol and other substances when taking this drug. Some sufferers may experience a decrease in appetite while taking methylphenidate. If your child is losing weight, you should encourage them to eat a regular diet and snacks. You may need to encourage them to drink a lot of water or squash to ensure they are well-hydrated. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is a central nervous system stimulant that stimulates chemicals in the brain and nerves. It helps improve impulse control and concentration in children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. It also treats binge eating disorder (BED) by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, reducing instances of uncontrolled eating. Lisdexamfetamine is part of the prodrug class of drugs that are altered to make them inactive until they are metabolized the body.27 It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of placebo-controlled trials, showing efficacy in both stimulant-naive and stimulant-exposed patients with ADHD. It is also believed to have a longer lasting effect than other stimulants and may have fewer rebound symptoms. In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, Adler et al27 found significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV scores. They also reported that most of patients who switched to placebo relapsed after 2 weeks.28 Additionally, Brams et al29 used a novel design for a randomized withdrawal study in which they followed 116 adult patients for 12 weeks after stopping the lisdexamfetamine treatment. They found that the majority of patients who relapsed weren't exposed to any other stimulants over the previous two-week period. It is important to tell your doctor if there are any allergies to this medicine or any other medications. Also, let your doctor know that you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other heart issues. These stimulants increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attacks, or sudden deaths in people with these conditions. Lisdexamfetamine may pass into breastmilk and cause harm to nursing infants. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this medicine. This medication may cause dizziness, shakiness, or stomach upset in certain people. Lisdexamfetamine has not been approved for use by children less than six years old. Lisdexamfetamine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so even when you feel better. Your doctor is likely to be looking to check your blood pressure and heart rate while you're taking this medication. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant that works by blocking the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. It is highly specific for this transporter and a weak affinity for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors [115,136136). In multiple placebo-controlled trials, it improved the inhibition control of ADHD patients by reducing the overactivation on the right inferior cortex (Chamberlain and coworkers 2009). It has also been shown to increase working memory and the ability to focus in children with ADHD. It can take up to 12 weeks before you can see the full effects. The dosage is based on weight and should be taken at a low dose and gradually increased. A once-daily dose is typical. The drug's poor metabolizers the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have higher exposure and a slower elimination of atomoxetine. Therefore, pharmacogenetic testing is recommended before prescribing atomoxetine for these people. In several controlled studies it has been proven that it can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is typically used as the first-line treatment. It is generally well-tolerated and is safe, and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. It isn't as effective as stimulants in decreasing tics and anxiety and does not appear to help with sleep issues, but it has been demonstrated to decrease aggression in some children. Atomoxetine is also more likely to interact with the antidepressant fluoxetine, so it is not recommended to take them together [115, 137). Two other medications that are sometimes prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD are Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). These drugs were initially developed to lower high pressure in adults. They are called alpha agonists. They function by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to release the neurotransmitter neopinephrine which can reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications take a while to show results and can take up to four weeks in the case of many children before they see any benefits. In addition they are not recommended for use with MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine) due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions, like severe hypothermia rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability extreme agitation and disorientation, and delirium. Other Stimulants Stimulants are medications that boost activity in the central nervous system. They are a variety of drugs including some that are legal, and others illegal. They are used to improve performance, keep you alert and alert, and treat certain medical conditions, such as ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. Some examples of prescription stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. The term stimulant is also used to describe nonprescription medications such as diet pills and caffeine. They are used for many reasons, but can be dangerous when combined with certain foods or medications. Stimulants don't cause habit-forming doses prescribed for patients with ADHD However, they may have side effects. Some people may feel jittery or unstable. They can increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause stomach upset and cause difficulty sleeping. Some teenagers and children who take stimulants can have tics or repetitive movements or noises, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They might also have an insignificant delay in growth. A doctor will determine which stimulant is suitable for your child or you. They will consider other factors, such as weight, age and if you or your child has any allergies. The doctor will then prescribe medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Always read the Medication Guide that is included with your medication. The use of medication isn't the only method to treat symptoms of ADHD However, they're typically the first step in treatment. People of all ages are able to benefit from psychosocial interventions, like family therapy and behavior modification. Patients who are taking prescription ADHD medication should be assessed for the risk of abuse and misuse and counseled to avoid sharing their medication with anyone else. They should also be advised to keep unused medication locked away and properly destroyed. Health professionals must also frequently check and examine patients for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. The FDA is now requiring more consistent information to be placed on drug labels to help educate patients and their families about these serious risks.